The Great Vin Scully Bobblehead

Nearly 6 months ago, I put out a request on r/Dodgers for anyone who was going to the Dodger Stadium to grab me the collectible bobblehead from the Vin Scully bobblehead night game. I'm by no means a collector, but in the weeks leading up to the game, my dad expressed a heavy interest in somehow driving to the game or trying to find one of the figures online.

My father grew up in Corona, California so his love for baseball and the Dodgers go back to his earliest childhood memories. When he used to spend time with his friends or family, they used to listen to Vin Scully on the radio as he called the games. Now, nearly 30 years later, we still share the same experience of listening to Vin Scully during the MLB season.

Knowing this, I knew I needed to get a hold of one of those bobbleheads and as discreetly as possible so I could surprise my dad. I made a couple of posts on the Dodgers subreddit as well as on a number of other sites, but nothing panned out. The day of the game came and past and I was left with checking online auction sites. As more time passed, the auctions became more and more out of my spending range as a college student. I soon had to accept the fact that I had missed my chance.

Then, without even thinking of my past attempts, I signed up for Secret Santa 2012. A few days later, I received a message on one of my older posts from the summer asking if I ever got the bobblehead. Without even connecting the two, I responded back that I hadn't and I inquired if the person was willing to trade or negotiate. I never got a response and I figured that my chances of getting the collectible were practically gone.

Fast forward to 1 week ago, a package came in the mail from my secret santa. As I carefully cut open the mailing tape that kept the box shut tight, I honestly wondered what I could have got. As the image of Vin Scully smiling face peered through the opening, I stepped back out of breath. I really couldn't believe someone I never met would track down one of the bobbleheads and ship it all the way from across the country. I was blown away from the kindness and thoughtfulness of the gift.

Being able to share the priceless toy with my father was the highlight of my Christmas and one of the best experiences I had in 2012. I'm so grateful to have such a caring and considerate Secret Santa.